Known for his Green Bronx Machine initiative, Stephen Ritz is a teacher and administrator who uses Tower Garden to grow healthier, more engaged students in the South Bronx. His efforts have resulted in 30,000 pounds of vegetables to date, transforming New York City while facilitating extraordinary academic performance and generating opportunities for students. Stephen has spoken at TED Conferences and been featured by Forbes, Wall Street Journal, ABC, CNN, NBC, NPR and many others. He was recently selected as 1 of 10 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize and met with the Pope at The Vatican to discuss gardening in schools.